Manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical occurrence. Its main danger is not physiological, but psychological. A person who is faced with such a course of the disease often withdraws, has difficulties in communication and risks falling into severe depression. In the meantime, the problem can be solved by achieving a stable long-term remission. The main thing is to consult a specialist in time, and not to self-medicate.
What is psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of a non-infectious nature, accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms, including a reddish rash and peeling of the damaged parts of the skin.
They arise due to disturbances in the mechanism of replacement of the dermis layer. In a healthy person, this process takes an average of 30 days, and in a sick person, the skin is renewed in less than a week. The body perceives such rapid creation of new cells as an aggressive invasion and gives an immune response, "sending" an increased number of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of possible damage, which causes inflammation.
More often, rashes characteristic of the disease are formed in elbows and knees, armpits and on the head under the hair. In rare cases, manifestations of the pathology spread to the face. Scientists still understand the causes and mechanisms of the disease.
Psoriasis causes and risk factors
The scientific community has been debating the nature of psoriasis for several decades. The most widespread are three theories about the origin of the disease:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, a genetic explanation for psoriasis has become popular. This is confirmed by statistical data, according to which most patients have close relatives suffering from this disease.
Proponents of different theories agree on three points:
- the polyetiological nature of psoriasis, that is, the origin of the pathology is caused by several reasons;
- the disease is not contagious;
- it is possible to achieve a stable remission.
Doctors have also identified the main factors that cause the disease. Among them:
- chronic inflammations;
- serious traumatic skin damage;
- metabolic disorders;
- severe poisoning;
- weak immunity;
- constant stress;
- frostbite;
- infectious diseases;
- alcoholism;
- certain medicines (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).
People whose body is affected by more than two factors from the list above are at the highest risk. There is a possibility that they will encounter the most unpleasant and atypical form of the disease.
The mechanism of psoriasis on the face
Psoriasis on the face is characterized by rapid development due to particularly sensitive skin. It occurs in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- regression.
In the last stage, psoriatic manifestations fade and disappear completely. The whole process, depending on the severity and type of disease, lasts from two to six months.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and includes many variants. Based on the type of progression, two large groups are conventionally distinguished: pustular (with a rash in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. Depending on the severity, area of damage and intensity of manifestations, psoriasis can be mild or severe. The severe form of psoriasis characteristic of the face, seborrheic, does not belong to the general classification.
Attention! A dangerous complication of this form of the disease is infection of the sebaceous glands with a fungus.
The symptoms of psoriasis subtypes are clearly visible, which allows a competent doctor to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe adequate treatment.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the face
Signs of the initial stage of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of allergy or irritation. Moreover, they appear on the face in the periods of greatest skin vulnerability - in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- redness of the skin;
- appearance of dandruff;
- itching;
- small wounds;
- peeling;
- formation of yellowish crusts.
The first spots are no bigger than a pinhead and appear on the forehead and cheeks. Then they grow and, merging with each other, turn into red papules that itch very much.
Attention! Scratching the rash accelerates the spread of the papules, which can leave scars.
Gradually, the papules cover larger areas of the skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. Plaques begin to bleed when pressed; the scales are joined by the secretion of the sebaceous glands, forming a thick yellow crust. The epidermis becomes thinner and loses its ability to perform protective functions against external influences. It is better to start treatment at an early stage of the disease. Only a dermatologist can determine the degree and type of disease.
Differential diagnosis
Making the correct diagnosis is not difficult for a competent specialist. It is based on data on symptoms and the course of the disease, as well as on a visual examination. The so-called psoriatic triad, which is discovered during the process of scraping the problem area of the skin, has great diagnostic value. It includes three phenomena:
- stearin stain (increased peeling after scraping);
- terminal film - smooth surface at the place of removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of blood droplets.
Psoriasis sometimes looks similar to other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with such pathologies as:
- syphilis;
- some types of lichen;
- pityriasis;
- chronic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- parapsoriasis.
To clarify the diagnosis in controversial cases, the following is prescribed:
- allergy tests;
- biochemical blood test;
- histological examination of the skin;
- UAC;
- stool examination for dysbacteriosis;
- Ultrasound;
- x-ray (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).
Unfortunately, after discovering the first signs of psoriasis on the face, many patients begin to self-medicate, which only worsens the situation. Meanwhile, modern medicine offers enough tools and techniques with which you can forget about an unpleasant disease for a long time.
Treatment tactics
To successfully get rid of psoriasis, an integrated approach and strict adherence to medical recommendations is required. Commonly used treatment methods include:
- drug therapy;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- folk remedies.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Drug treatment
Pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed for the treatment of seborrheic psoriasis on the face in an advanced form. The following groups of drugs are commonly used:
- antimicrobial drugs help reduce the intensity of psoriasis manifestations;
- medicine with succinic acid normalizes cellular immunity and increases oxygen flow to tissues;
- antihistamines reduce itching and swelling;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- sedatives are included in the complex treatment for stress relief. You can take valerian or lemon balm extracts;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and cleanse the skin.
Attention! All medications should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
If the use of these drugs does not bring a positive result, use ciclosporin. It is prescribed in the most severe cases due to a large number of side effects.
Local agents
Ointments, creams and gels in the treatment of psoriasis help relieve inflammation, soften deposits, reduce itching and disinfect damaged facial skin. The most effective remedies include ointments:
- salicylic;
- naphthalene;
- Sulphur-tar.
In extremely severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend topical hormonal medications. They have a number of contraindications, so their independent use is strictly prohibited.
Attention! Psoriatic plaques cannot be masked with cosmetic powder! It will clog the pores and block the access of oxygen to the damaged tissues.
The effect of healing ointments is enhanced by the use of moisturizing and soothing preparations with shark oil or vitamin F. Physiotherapy will speed up the healing process.
Physiotherapy
In most cases, patients with psoriasis will have to undergo a course of phototherapy - this method restores the tissue's ability to regenerate by exposing the facial skin to ultraviolet radiation and stimulating the production of vitamin D. Depending on the symptoms and characteristics of the course of the disease, such hardware manipulations as:
- X-ray therapy;
- Ural Federal District;
- electrosleep;
- laser exposure;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy.
These procedures directly affect the foci of inflammation, contribute to their localization and elimination. It improves the patient's general condition, including psychological. Recipes of traditional medicine will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
Folk remedies
Home remedies based on herbs and plants will help alleviate the most unpleasant symptoms of the acute period of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:
- Boil a spoonful of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and leave to stand (about an hour). Moisten a cotton cloth abundantly in the cooled and strained solution and apply it to the face for 30 minutes;
- mix solid oil and birch sap in equal proportions. Apply the resulting mass evenly to the affected areas and leave for 20 minutes. Wash and apply a moisturizing cream to your face;
- Put a few aloe leaves in the fridge for a week, then take them out, chop them up and apply them to your face for 30 minutes.
Products based on essential oils and sea salt are very useful for psoriasis. In addition to facial care, a proper and balanced diet plays a big role in solving psoriasis.
Diet
Diet for psoriasis should contain all substances necessary for the body. It is especially important to eat more fiber. The diet must include a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You cannot eat:
- sweet baked goods;
- chocolate;
- milk with a high percentage of fat;
- walnuts;
- any citrus fruit;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic beverages.
Dishes should not be greasy, fried, smoked or excessively spicy. It is worth organizing fasting days "on kefir" once a week.
Prevention
People who are predisposed to psoriasis must take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Wipe your face daily with decoctions based on chamomile or hops, especially in hot weather or frost;
- stop smoking;
- avoid prolonged stay in dusty or damp areas;
- spend more time in the sun.
Visit your dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from worsening. It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. However, by following preventive measures and following medical recommendations, you can achieve stable remission and lead a fulfilling lifestyle.